The man who started Probus Clubs in Wairarapa will have his efforts rewarded by receiving a Queens Service Medal.
Masterton's Harry Tolley started the Wairarapa branch of the organisation in 1989.
Probus is a club for retired or semi-retired professionals to take part in activities of interest to them.
Although the clubs are
self governing, they are sponsored by Rotary Clubs and must remain within the limits of their constitution.
The 93-year-old had a hard time trying to convince Rotary Club of Masterton to start the group, and hosted an interest meeting to see if it was a viable idea.
"People decided at that meeting if they would like to be members," he said, and 75 people signed up on that night.
"It resulted in the beginning of Probus in Wairarapa," he said.
He kept in touch with the resulting clubs in the region, helping them with management, structures and meetings.
"I've done a big amount of work over a period of time," said Mr Tolley.
He has twice been made a Paul Harris Fellow - the highest honour a Rotary club can give a member - and has been a president twice.
Mr Tolley is also being honoured for the establishment of Tolley Rotary Educational Trust, where he invested $100,000 as he was the recipient of a bequest.
He stressed it was not a charity, but provided an income for young people looking to study further in their chosen field.
Mr Tolley is very modest about being selected for the award, and said all of his achievements are important.
"I have much pride in being selected as a recipient," he said.
